Blue Ridge Safety Association Hosts Engaging Networking Event at Massanutten Technical Center

Blue Ridge Safety Association Hosts Engaging Networking Event at Massanutten Technical Center

Harrisonburg, VA — The Blue Ridge Safety Association (BRSA) recently hosted a successful and well-attended networking event on the campus of Massanutten Technical Center (MTC), bringing together safety professionals and business leaders from across the Shenandoah Valley.

Everyone was welcomed by Linda Gail Johnson, BRSA President, with additional support from Board Members including Casey Carwile of Design Electric, Melissa Wampler of F&M Bank, Zach Ritchie of Magnera, Gary Higgs - BRSA Treasurer, and Lara Hoke with Leadership Foundations.  President Johnson provided information on the MTC Apprenticeship and Adult Education offerings that were provided by Sandra Rinker, MTC Supervisor of Adult Programs.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by MTC’s talented culinary students at “The Bistro,” providing a welcoming and collaborative setting for the day’s program. The highlight of the event was an informative panel discussion featuring representatives from local organizations who have achieved key milestones through Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) - Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) and Challenge Program.

The panel was expertly facilitated by Aimee Rodriguez, BRSA Vice President and Safety Director for InterChange Group. In addition to guiding the discussion, Rodriguez shared valuable insights from her previous work experience as a Special Government Employee, where she supported the implementation of VPP at Cargill.

Panelists included Tami Holbert (HR & Safety Manager) and Shannon Britt (VPP Coordinator), both representing Nibco, as well as Sarah Wilson (HSE Associate Manager) from Graphic Packaging International. Congratulations to Nibco for achieving a 10 year milestone with VPP STAR Status. Each speaker offered practical perspectives on the benefits and challenges associated with participating in these safety-focused programs, providing attendees with actionable knowledge to enhance workplace safety initiatives.

More than 22 businesses from up and down the Valley registered for the event, demonstrating strong regional interest in advancing health and safety practices. Participants benefited from hearing the answers to panel questions such as:

? What advice would you give to a company that’s just exploring CHALLENGE or VPP?

? Employee participation is a cornerstone of the Volunteer Programs. How have you successfully engaged employees in safety decision-making and continuous improvement?

? What advice would you give to organizations that may be hesitant to engage with VOSH because of fear of inspection or enforcement?

The Blue Ridge Safety Association is the Shenandoah Valley’s premier nonprofit safety and health association, dedicated to providing high-quality networking and training opportunities that help organizations achieve their workplace safety goals.

BRSA extends a special thank you to Chef Tara Roberts and the MTC culinary students for providing an exceptional dining experience that helped make the event memorable. Thank you to Aimee Rodriguez for her panel facilitation and to our panel experts, Tami Holbert, Shannon Britt and Sarah Wilson who shared from their experiences with encouragement and honesty.

For more information about upcoming events or to explore membership, visit www.blueridgesafety.org and explore the events page to register for the next networking opportunity.